Alright, several pots of HC and 72 hours straight light later, the HC has really grown.

Did I read this right? You leave your lights on for 72 hours straight? I just planted some HC in a new tank, so... if you've done it before and had good experiences with it I might have to try it. I thought the HC had to have a daily break to have a chance to grow. ? I'm a noob though!